Thermal Runaway Shield

ABSTRACT

A thermal runaway protection system for serially-connected battery cells, comprises a flexible thermal runaway shield (“TRS”) and a channel separator. The flexible TRS is configured to be disposed around the serially-connected battery cells. The channel separator is configured to be disposed at a positive cap of one of the serially-connected battery cells. The channel separator comprises a body and a via configured to electrically connect two sides of the channel separator. The body has a raised outer ring with a gap for venting gas during thermal runaway. The raised outer ring is configured to be in contact with the positive cap. The flexible TRS has an opening aligned to the gap of the outer ring.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application claims priority and is a continuation patent application from a nonprovisional patent application, entitled “Thermal Runaway Shield”, filed on Sep. 28, 2017 and having application Ser. No. 15/719,372 (hereafter, the “'372 application”). The '372 application claims priority to a provisional patent application, entitled “Thermal Runaway Shield”, filed on Sep. 28, 2016 and having application No. 62/400,830. Said applications and any other referenced applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to thermal protection for an energy storage device and, in particular, to a thermal runaway shield for the energy storage device (e.g., a battery) to prevent thermal runaway propagation.

BACKGROUND

Lithium-Ion (“Li-Ion”) 18650 cells (and other batteries) have a slight chance of spontaneously shorting, which heats the interior gradually until a separator film within the cell melts, resulting in an internal short. Consequently, an explosive release of thermal energy can be triggered. The explosion can cause an end cap of the shorted cell to rupture. A flare briefly emerges (e.g., of around 1 second) from that ruptured end cap. For a minute or so, the cell's materials combust, releasing heat and driving the shorted cell to about 500 degrees Celsius (“C”) or greater.

If there are any neighboring cells that are consequently heated near or above a critical temperature (e.g., around 130° C.), the neighboring cells can also short with the same consequences causing additional explosions and ruptures; hence giving the well-known problem of thermal runaway propagation. The well-known Boeing battery problem is also of this nature. In Tesla's electric automobiles, the battery cells have an active cooling system to prevent such thermal runaway propagation.

However, there is a desire to seek a passive solution suitable for battery modules of arbitrary cell sizes and shapes. Therefore, there exists a need for a new system, method, and apparatus for preventing thermal runaway propagation for cells in an energy storage device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure can be better understood from the following detailed description of various embodiments of the present disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows.

FIG. 1 illustrates a thermal runaway shield of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2a illustrates a thermal runaway shield module of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2b illustrates a thermal runaway shield module of the present disclosure having bimodal fibers.

FIG. 3 illustrates an interior side of a wall of a thermal runaway shield module of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4a illustrates a zoomed-in, cross-sectional view of a wall of a thermal runaway shield module of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4b illustrates a zoomed-in, cross-sectional view of a wall of a thermal runaway shield module of the present disclosure having bimodal carbon fibers.

FIG. 4c illustrates a zoomed-in, cross-sectional view of a wall of a thermal runaway shield module of the present disclosure having a veil wick.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative form factor for a thermal runaway shield of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates yet another alternative form factor for a thermal runaway shield of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart for manufacturing a thermal runaway shield module of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart for an alternative embodiment of manufacturing a thermal runaway shield module of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of a flexible thermal runaway shield of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a flexible thermal runaway shield of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of flexible thermal runaway shields of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate side views of various configurations for wrapping one or more flexible thermal runaway shields of the present disclosure around battery cells.

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of a hexagonal wrapping configuration for wrapping flexible thermal runaway shields of the present disclosure around battery cells.

FIG. 16 illustrates a zoomed-in view of a flexible thermal runaway shield of the present disclosure that has been folded to correspond to a hexagonal wrapping configuration.

FIG. 17 illustrates a hexagonal wrapping configuration for a flexible thermal runaway shield of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 illustrates a flow chart for manufacturing a flexible thermal runaway shield of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 illustrates a TRS system of the present disclosure having a TRS and insulator segments.

FIG. 20 illustrates another embodiment of a TRS system of the present disclosure having a TRS and insulator segments.

FIG. 21 illustrates a TRS system of the present disclosure having channel separators and a flexible TRS.

FIG. 22 illustrates another view of a TRS system of the present disclosure having a channel separator and a flexible TRS.

FIG. 23 illustrates a channel separator of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 24-27 illustrate various embodiments of a channel separator coupled to a battery cell.

FIGS. 28-29 illustrate a flexible TRS of the present disclosure coupled to a battery cell.

FIGS. 30-31 illustrate another embodiment of a flexible TRS of the present disclosure coupled to a battery cell.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration of specific embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It is appreciated that the terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. Also, unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first”, “second”, “third”, etc. are used to distinguish between elements such terms describe. These terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or prioritization of such elements.

In an embodiment of a thermal runaway shield (“TRS”) module, the TRS module comprises the following: a first wall having an exterior side and an interior side; a second wall having an exterior side and an interior side; and fibers disposed on at least one of the interior sides of the first wall and the second wall. The first wall and the second wall are coupled together. An inner cavity can be located between the first wall and the second wall, where at least one of the exterior side of the first wall and the exterior side of the second wall has a shape for conforming to a shape of at least one energy storage device cell. Furthermore, the TRS module may further comprise a plug. At least one of the first wall and the second wall may have an opening through the wall. The plug can be disposed in the opening.

In a further embodiment, the TRS module can further comprise an aqueous solution or surfactant, where the aqueous solution or surfactant is disposed in the inner cavity. Also, the first wall and the second wall can comprise one or more rigid materials and/or one or more non-rigid materials. The fibers can be carbon fibers or other types of fibers, where the fibers can have uniform length, bimodal length, multi-modal length, or nonuniform length.

In yet another embodiment, a thermal runaway shield can comprise at least one TRS module. The at least one TRS module comprises: a first wall having an exterior side and an interior side; a second wall having an exterior side and an interior side; and fibers disposed on the interior sides of the first wall and the second wall. The first wall and the second wall are coupled together to form an inner cavity between the first wall and the second wall. At least one of the exterior side of the first wall and the exterior side of the second wall has a shape for conforming to a shape of at least one energy storage device cell.

In another embodiment, a method for manufacturing a thermal runaway shield module, comprises the following steps: generating walls for the TRS; generating a wick sheet; bonding the generated wick sheet to at least one side of the walls; and coupling the walls together to form an inner cavity, where the bonded wick sheets are disposed in the inner cavity. In yet another embodiment, after the coupling step, an opening can be generated through at least one of the walls for allowing access between an exterior side of the TRS and the inner cavity. From there, an aqueous surfactant can be introduced into the inner cavity via the opening. A plug can be inserted into the opening.

Additional aspects, configurations, features, and embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein to aid in the understanding of the present disclosure. It is important to note that an aqueous surfactant can be an optional element of the TRS. For instance, in an embodiment that uses flocked fibers for a wick, it may be advantageous to include an aqueous surfactant on the wick. Whereas in another embodiment that uses a veil wick, it may not be that advantageous to include an aqueous surfactant.

FIG. 1 illustrates a thermal runaway shield of the present disclosure. A thermal runaway shield 8 comprises TRS modules 10 a-10 d, where each of the TRS modules 10 a-10 d can be stacked to form hollow openings 16 for cylindrical, energy storage cells (e.g., Li-Ion 18650 cells or other battery cells) to be inserted in the hollow openings 16. The TRS modules 10 a-10 d each comprise plugs 12 a-12 d, which cover an opening through the exterior of the TRS to the interior of the respective TRS module 10 a-10 d. The plugs 12 a-12 d can be removed to allow gas and/or liquid from the internal cavities of the respective TRS modules 10 a-10 d to enter and/or exit the internal cavities of the TRS modules 10 a-10 d via the openings. When the plugs 12 a-12 d are removed, the openings can be used as an inlet for filling the inner cavity of a respective TRS module with an aqueous solution or surfactant.

The TRS 8 can run along the sides of the cylindrical, energy storage cells to dissipate heat generated from the energy storage cells. The TRS 8 can be used to stop thermal runaway propagation by thermally isolating each cell from another cell. If one of the cells shorts and subsequently flares, the heat from this reaction can be thermally isolated by the TRS 8 such that adjacent cells are thermally shielded from the flaring cell. It is understood that the form factor of the TRS can conform to the shape of the energy storage device (“ESD”) cells. For instance, if the ESD cells are prismatic in shape, then the TRS can conform to such prismatic shape.

The form factor of the ESD cells disclosed herein are meant to be illustrative and are in no way meant to limit the present disclosure to those shapes. Furthermore, ESD cells can also be referred herein as cells, batteries, energy storage cells, or any other similar term.

Referring to FIG. 1, a side view of the TRS 8 is shown. It is understood that the TRS extends longitudinally (or lengthwise) to cover the cylindrical walls of any embedded energy storage device cells. For instance, the cylindrical, energy storage cells can be disposed in the hollow openings 16 such that an end cap is shown in the side view of the TRS 8. The hollow openings 16 can extend the length of the cylindrical, energy storage cells such that only the endcaps of the cylindrical, energy storage cells can be seen from an exterior, side view of the TRS 8.

Each of the TRS modules 10 a-10 d comprises walls, an inner cavity formed by the walls, and a plug for sealing an opening in a wall of the TRS module. The opening can allow for gas and/or liquid to be transferred to/from the interior cavity of the TRS module and the exterior of the TRS modules. When the plug is disposed in the opening, the inner cavity can be isolated from the exterior of the TRS module. The plug and the opening in the wall of a TRS module are optional features of the TRS module to allow for filling of the inner cavity of the TRS module and for expulsion of any gases from the inner cavity to the exterior of the TRS module. It can be appreciated that a TRS module of present disclosure includes other embodiments that do not have openings and/or plugs.

The walls of the inner cavity can be constructed using a polymer or other material to allow for thermal transfer between the ESD cells and the internal cavities of the thermal runaway shield (e.g., a metallic alloy or other thermally conductive material). The walls can be formed to be rigid, flexible, or combination of rigid and flexible. The amount of rigidity can be specified to fit a particular application or design of the TRS module. The walls are coupled together to form the inner cavity such that the inner cavity is substantially gas and liquid impermeable (unless such embodiment has a plug and opening through the wall to allow for such gas and/or liquid flow through the opening).

The inner cavity is enclosed by the walls of the respective TRS module. Fibers are disposed on the walls (or in a substrate that is further attached to the walls using an adhesive or other coupling means) of the inner cavity and can be wetted with a liquid to promote wicking.

The amount of liquid can be predefined based on the amount of energy needed to be dissipated. Heat transferred through the walls of the TRS modules can be dissipated and distributed by phase changes of the liquid on the fibers to a gaseous state. If the pressure of the gas reaches a threshold pressure value, the gas can escape via the opening of the walls by pushing the plug out of the opening to release some of the pressure. If the plug is released (or pushed out), additional liquid can be inserted to replenish the amount of aqueous solution or surfactant in the internal cavity. The plug can be inserted into the hole in the TRS module to reseal the internal cavity. Thus, heat from the energy storage cells can be safely isolated from other adjacent cells using the TRS modules.

In the internal cavities of the TRS modules, the fibers can be bimodal in length from the wall of the internal cavities or from the substrate on which the fibers are disposed. A first group of fibers are about a first length and a second group of fibers are about a second length. The second length can be longer than the first length. The first group of fibers can serve as a liquid storage for holding the liquid within the TRS modules and for converting the liquid within the cavity to a gaseous state when adequate heat energy is applied from the ESD cells.

If there is a breach in the walls of the thermal runaway shield module, liquid may escape through that breach. In such case, the first group of shorter fibers may be able to hold the liquid within the cavities more effectively than the second group of longer fibers. If the breached thermal runaway shield should need to convert more heat energy to a gaseous state, the shorter fibers can be provided additional liquid from the longer fibers through capillary action and/or gravity to aid in the subsequent conversions.

As noted, it is apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art that the thermal modules 10 a-10 d can be designed for holding energy storage cells of various shapes. For instance, the hollow openings 14 illustrate cylindrical spaces to secure cylindrically shaped energy storage cells. However, other shapes can be used for the openings to secure other shaped cells as well, including cells having one of the following shapes, including a rectangular shape, a trapezoidal shape, an elliptical shape, another uniform shape, and a non-uniform shape.

In particular, thermal runaway propagation is especially important for 18650 Li-Ion cells. For instance, if one of the cells shorts, a chemical reaction within the cell can begin to start burning and flaring, which increases the surrounding temperature. This can cause a chain reaction in which nearby cells' temperatures increase to the point where their separator films melt, causing an internal short. The thermal runaway shield modules of the present disclosure can prevent or mitigate such thermal runaway propagation by limiting the heat transferred to the other cells from a shorted one that is flaring by using an internal cavity with fibers and liquid to convert that heat energy to lower the overall heat received by the other cells.

FIG. 2a illustrates a thermal runaway shield module of the present disclosure. A thermal runaway shield module 10 c can be two sided in that it can form hollow openings on two sides of the thermal runaway shield module 10 c when stacked in conjunction with other thermal runaway shield modules. In other examples, a thermal runaway shield module can also be one-sided (in that it only forms hollow openings on one of its sides, as illustrated by thermal runaway shield modules 10 a and 10 d in FIG. 1).

Referring to FIG. 2a , the TRS module 10 c can have an exterior side 30 of the wall 22 to form a row of hollowing openings and an exterior side 32 of the wall 24 to form another row of hollow openings. The TRS module 10 c can have an inner cavity 20 formed by the walls 22 and 24 of the TRS module 10 c. An interior side of the wall 22 of the TRS module 10 c can have fibers 28 disposed on the interior side of the wall 22 via a substrate or by other means, where the fibers face the inner cavity 20.

Likewise, an interior side of the wall 24 of the TRS module 10 c can have fibers 26 disposed on the interior side of the wall 24 via a substrate or by other means, where the fibers face the inner cavity 20.

The fibers 26 and 28 can be of various materials, including carbon fibers, metallic fibers, textile fibers, etc. The fibers 26 and 28 can be wetted with an aqueous solution or surfactant such that when the shell heats up, the aqueous solution or surfactant is converted to a gaseous state. As noted, the fibers can also be arranged in a single-fiber-length configuration, a bimodal configuration, or another multi-modal configuration (e.g., tri-modal configuration, quad-modal configuration, etc.). Alternatively, or in conjunction with the fibers 26 and 28, a veil can be used for wicking.

FIG. 2b illustrates a thermal runaway shield module of the present disclosure having bimodal fibers. The inner cavity 20 has bimodal fibers on the interior side of the walls 22 and 24. The carbon fibers can consist of a first group of carbon fibers and a second group of carbon fibers, where the length of the second group of carbon fibers can be anywhere from two or more times the length of the first group of carbon fibers. Thus, the longer carbon fibers extend further within the inner cavity 20. The relative density between the first group of carbon fibers and the second group of carbon fibers can vary. In various embodiments, the shorter carbon fibers can be denser over a unit area than the longer carbon fibers (e.g., a packing density can be 10 percent for the shorter carbon fibers and 1 percent for the longer carbon fibers); or the shorter carbon fibers can be equal in density over a unit area than the longer carbon fibers; or the longer carbon fibers can be denser over a unit area than the shorter carbon fibers (e.g., packing density can be 10 percent for the longer carbon fibers and 1 percent for the shorter carbon fibers).

FIG. 3 illustrates an interior side of a wall of a thermal runaway shield module of the present disclosure. In a top view of an internal cavity, fibers 26 can cover the interior side of the wall 24. The top view of the internal cavity shows that the fibers 26 can run along a length of the hollow opening on the interior side of the wall 24. A cross-sectional, zoomed-in view 40 of the internal cavity can illustrate more details of the fibers as depicted in FIG. 4 a.

FIG. 4a illustrates a zoomed-in, cross-sectional view of an interior wall of an internal cavity of a thermal runaway shield module of the present disclosure. In the cross-sectional, zoomed-in view 40 of the internal cavity, fibers 26 are disposed on the wall 24 (or via a substrate that is adhered to the wall 24). The fibers 26 can be disposed substantially radially from the wall 24 and may occasionally intersect each other. The length, radius, and density of the fibers 26 can be determined based on the size of the inner cavity and based on thermodynamic concerns. In terms of length of the fibers, the fibers 26 can be multi-modal in that a first group of fibers can be about a first predefined length, a second group of fibers can be about a second predefined length, and so on and so forth. Alternatively, the fibers 26 can have a uniform length in certain embodiments. It is appreciated that other sizing and/or density of the fibers can be used in conjunction with the present disclosure. An important aspect of the fibers is that the fibers can wick liquid to hot areas to convert heat via phase transition from liquid to gas.

FIG. 4b illustrates a zoomed-in view of an interior side of a wall of a thermal runaway shield module of the present disclosure having bimodal carbon fibers. In another embodiment, the carbon fibers 26 in the zoomed-in view 40 of the TRS module can comprise bimodal fibers. In such embodiment, the fibers 26 can have a first group of carbon fibers having a first predefined length from the wall 24 and a second group of carbon fibers having a second predefined length from the wall 24, where the second predefined length is longer then the first predefined length. The first group is denser and have smaller pore size than the second group. The second group can be longer and less dense than the first group. The various carbon fiber lengths provide for flexibility in the amount of wicking and the amount of aqueous solution or surfactant retention. The carbon fiber lengths and density of each group of fibers can be predefined to account for a predefined amount of energy dissipation and other design needs.

FIG. 4c illustrates a zoomed-in, cross-sectional view of a wall of a thermal runaway shield module of the present disclosure having a veil wick. In yet another embodiment, a veil 26 b, shown in the zoomed-in view 40, can be used for wicking in the TRS module (instead of flocked carbon fibers or in combination with carbon fibers). The veil 26 b can be disposed within an inner cavity of the TRS for wicking and as a thermal interface. The veil's 26 b wicking performance can be comparable to a flocked carbon fiber. However, the veil 26 b can have its fibers oriented along a horizontal plane of the veil (i.e., in a veil configuration). The veil 26 b may be manufactured by woven or non-woven techniques that are well known in the art.

It can be appreciated that various veils can be used for a TRS of the present disclosure. The carbon veil described herein is only one such example of such veil and is in no way meant to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, although the description herein describes a single carbon veil sheet within the TRS, it is no way meant to limit the present disclosure to a single carbon veil sheet since it is appreciated that multiple carbon veil sheets can be used in conjunction with the present disclosure. It can be further appreciated that the various layers in the TRS can be determined depending on a design for the TRS.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative form factor for a thermal runaway shield of the present disclosure. As noted above, the thermal runaway shield can be molded to fit various prismatic ESD cells. For instance, an ESD cell that has a rectangular form factor can fit into a thermal runaway shield of the present disclosure. The thermal runaway shield is molded to provide for spacing for the rectangular ESD cells to fit between the exterior sides of the walls of the thermal runaway shield.

FIG. 6 illustrates yet another alternative form factor for a thermal runaway shield of the present disclosure. In another example, an ESD cell that has a prismatic form factor with triangular ends, which can fit into a thermal runaway shield of the present disclosure. The thermal runaway shield is molded to provide for spacing that conforms to the prismatic ESD cells having triangular ends. The ESD cells can be disposed between the exterior sides of the walls (also referred to as the exterior walls) of adjacent thermal runaway shield modules. Various other shapes for the prismatic form factor can also be designed such that the thermal runaway shield can be molded to fit such shapes.

FIG. 7 illustrates a fabrication sequence for manufacturing a thermal runaway shield module of the present disclosure. A thermal runaway shield can comprise a case having wicks inside the case. The case can be assembled by using two half shells and merging the two half shells to form the case. The two half shells can form the walls of the TRS, where each half shell has an interior side for the inner cavity and an exterior side.

In one method, a flocked polymer sheet can be installed inside each of half shells prior to assembly. In an alternative method, the carbon fibers can be directly flocked into each half shell prior to assembly. In in embodiment, multiple TRS modules can be stacked to form the thermal runaway shield. The thermal runaway shield can have multiple openings between the thermal runaway shield modules for placement of ESD cells within the openings.

Referring to FIG. 7, a fabrication sequence for the thermal runaway shield module can be the following. A polycarbonate sheet (e.g., of 0.030-inch thickness) can be vacuum molded to form half shells, step 80. It is appreciated that the casing of the TRS can also be made of various other substances, including various rigid and nonrigid substances, e.g., aluminum, other metallic materials, a plastic sheet (e.g., Mylar), PVC, PET, PE, PETG, graphite material, polymer material, carbon material, fabric material, and other rigid or nonrigid materials. The present example is not meant to limit the present disclosure in any way to a particular material for the casing.

Next, a Kapton sheet (or similar product having a predefined thickness, e.g., 0.05 millimeters) can be disposed over an area sufficient to cover an interior wall of each of the two half shells, exclusive of flat edge flanges, step 82. Carbon fibers (e.g., Grafil fibers of about 1 millimeter in length or other various lengths for a multi-modal configuration) are flocked onto a high-temperature epoxy (e.g., Cotronics Duralco 4525 of about 0.076 millimeters thick) that has been spread onto the Kapton sheet. Two pieces of the flocked Kapton sheet are cut to form the wick strips for installation into the half shells. The widths of the two pieces can be slightly less than the internal widths of the half shell cavities (e.g., where the internal width can be about 3 inches in some embodiments). Lengths of the two pieces allow for about 1 to 2 inches of overhang at each end of the Kapton strips after pressing into cavities of the half shells. In an example, the length of the shells can be about 16 inches for a 10-cell configuration for holding of 10 ESD cells.

The flocked sheets are bonded onto the half shells, step 84. In order to install the flocked Kapton sheets, a tool for bonding the wicked sheets into the half shell can consist of a predefined number of vertical blades on a rigid base. The blades are spaced to coincide with the valleys on either side of each half cylinder of the shell. The predefined number of vertical blades match the number of valleys in the shells. For instance, a shell that has 10 openings to contain 10 batteries can have 11 valleys in the shells. Thus, there are 11 vertical blades to match the number of valley. An adhesive can be disposed on one side of the flocked sheets to be coupled to the interior wall of the half shells using the tool to press down the flocked sheets onto the interior wall. Alternatively, or in conjunction, a bonding procedure can be employed in which an adhesive is applied to an inner surface of the half shell prior to inserting the flocked sheet.

It can be appreciated that other bonding tools and coupling methods can be used to bond the flocked sheets to the interior walls. The present example is not meant to be interpreted as limiting the present disclosure to such method or tool. Furthermore, it can be appreciated that a veil wick can also be used in a rigid TRS as described herein in conjunction with or alternatively to using flocked fibers. The veil can be held to an inner surface of a half shell by a pressure-sensitive adhesive (“PSA”).

For instance, additional tooling can consist of upper and lower clamping plates to hold the wick in contact with the half shell as the epoxy cures. The lower plate can be one piece, while the upper plate is split into two equal parts to allow for securing the first half of the wick sheet before completing the placement of the remainder of the wick. A strip of wick is placed, flock side down, onto the blades of the bonding tooling with approximately equal amounts of overhang past the ends of the tooling. Starting at one end, the first valley of half shell is pressed down onto the first blade such that the wick is fully pressed into the valley. This procedure is repeated sequentially until half of the wick has been fully seated. This can require manually holding the parts in place on the blades. The first upper half plate can be fastened in place to secure that portion of wick which has so far been inserted. Wick insertion is continued until the wick has been pressed into the remaining valleys, and the second upper half plate is fastened and secured. The adhesive is then allowed to cure. The excess wick at the ends can be trimmed away. The bonding is repeated for the second half shell and wick strip.

In a manufacturing environment, it may be more efficient to use a blade assembly where the blades can be moved/locked independently, eliminating the need to manually hold the half shell on stationary blades until the upper plates have been positioned to hold the assembly together for adhesive cure. Furthermore, it is understood that there can be other methods for coupling carbon fibers to a shell.

After the adhesive has cured and excess wick at the ends has been trimmed away, the half shells with wicks can be heat sealed to form the thermal runaway shield module, step 86. Last, a small fill/vent hole (also referred to as an opening) can now be pierced, step 88, through the wall of the TRS module at a location(s) appropriate for the attitude in which the TRS module is to be used. The hole has two functions: (1) it allows the inner cavity of the TRS module to be filled by a predefined amount of an aqueous surfactant, step 90 (an optional step); and (2) it also allows internal pressure to be vented if a cell undergoes thermal runaway propagation. After filling the TRS module with surfactant, the fill/vent hole (otherwise referred to as an opening) can be sealed, step 90, in a manner that will prevent fluid leakage until such time that pressure venting occurs. For instance, a rubber plug (or other sealing method or device) can be used to seal the opening. It can be appreciated that various methods and apparatuses can be used to seal the opening. The use of a plug is only just one of these many methods that can be understood based on the present disclosure. The present disclosure is in no way meant to limit the sealing of an opening of a TRS to a plug.

The specific fabrication sequence and sizing of the components of the thermal runaway shield module are not meant to limit the present disclosure to that specific manufacturing process and sizing. It is understood that various alterations to the steps, various ordering of the steps, and/or various sizing of the thermal runaway shield module components can be appreciated based on the present disclosure; such variations are meant to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates yet another flow chart for manufacturing a thermal runaway shield module of the present disclosure. In order to generate the thermal runaway shield, substrates for the thermal runaway shield modules are manufactured, step 100. The manufactured substrates are flocked on one side with fibers, step 102. The flocked substrates are coupled together to generate the thermal runaway shield modules, step 104. Typically, two flocked substrates are coupled together with the flocked sides facing each other to form the inner cavity of a thermal runaway shield module. Multiple thermal runaway shield modules can be formed in such manner. Once coupled, the inner cavity of the thermal runaway shield modules can be introduced with liquid, step 106. The liquid can be used as an aqueous surfactant/solution to wet the fibers within the inner cavity. Lastly, a plug can be embedded into an opening to the inner cavity for each of the thermal runaway shield modules, step 108. Lastly, as noted before, thermal runaway shield modules can be stacked to form a thermal runaway shield. The thermal runaway shield has multiple openings between the thermal runaway shield modules for placement of ESD cells within the openings. It can be appreciated that step 106 for introducing liquid and step 108 for plugging an opening are optional steps depending on the design of a TRS module. Furthermore, it can be appreciated that steps 106 and 108 can be alternative steps, where the inner cavity may have liquid with no opening to plug or, alternatively, may have an opening with a plug without any liquid in the inner cavity.

Flexible Thermal Runaway Shield

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of a flexible thermal runaway shield of the present disclosure. A TRS of the present disclosure can be flexible such that the TRS can be wrapped around one or more ESD cells or other devices for shielding. The TRS can have a more flexible shell to allow for such bending.

In an embodiment and referring to FIG. 9, a TRS 110 can comprise a flexible wrapper (also referred to as a barrier film) 120, heat spreaders 122, and a carbon veil 124. In the top view, the various layers of the TRS 110 can be seen when such top side of the flexible wrapper 120 has not been coupled together to form a sealed inner cavity. It is appreciated that this view is to aide in the understanding of the present disclosure is not meant to be limiting in any way.

The flexible wrapper 120 can be a combination of materials such that two sheets of the wrapper 120 can be coupled together to form an interior cavity to house the heat spreaders 122 and the carbon veil 124. When the two sheets of the wrapper 120 are sealed together via heat sealing (or other form of coupling, e.g., via an adhesive material), the interior cavity can be isolated from the exterior of the TRS since the wrapper 120 is impermeable to gas and liquid. Thereby, liquid can be disposed in the inner cavity for wicking without leaking out of the TRS 110.

The flexible wrapper 120 can comprise of multiple layers including a polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) layer for strength and durability of the wrapper, an aluminum layer adjacent to the PET layer for impermeability, another PET layer adjacent to the other side of the aluminum layer, and a polyethylene (“PE”) layer for adhesion. The two layers of wrappers can have their respective PE layers facing each other and heat sealed such that the two layers of wrapper 120 are coupled together forming the inner cavity.

It can be appreciated that other flexible wrappers can be used for a TRS of the present disclosure. The flexible wrapper 120 described herein is only one such example of such wrapper and is in no way meant to limit the present disclosure. For instance, a flexible wrapper can comprise one or more of the following: polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) sheet, PET, PE, PETG, metallic material, graphite material, polymer material, carbon material, fabric material, and other materials for allowing flexibility of the TRS while providing liquid and gas impermeability.

The heat spreaders 122 are optional layers of the TRS 110 that can be sandwiched inside the inner cavity of the TRS 110. Typically, the heat spreaders 122 are laid in parallel sheets with the carbon veil 124. In some embodiments, only a single heat spreader is used on one side of the carbon veil 124. In further embodiments, the heat spreaders 122 may be omitted altogether. The heat spreaders 122 can be a material that can conduct heat such as graphite material, pyrolytic graphite sheet (“PGS”), foil, and/or other thermal interface materials.

It can be appreciated that other heat spreaders can be used for a TRS of the present disclosure. The heat spreaders 122 described herein are only one such example and is in no way meant to limit the present disclosure to such heat spreaders or to such particular configuration.

The carbon veil 124 can be disposed within the inner cavity of the TRS for wicking. The carbon veil's 124 wicking performance can be comparable to a flocked carbon fiber. However, the carbon veil 124 can have its fibers oriented along the horizontal plane of the veil. The carbon veil 124 can be manufactured by woven or non-woven techniques that are well known in the art. The carbon veil 124 is bendable such that when the TRS is bent, the carbon veil 124 can bend accordingly. Thus, the carbon veil 124 can be continuously connected within the TRS even when the TRS is bent.

It can be appreciated that various veils can be used for a TRS of the present disclosure. The carbon veil described herein is only one such example of such veil and is in no way meant to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, although the description herein describes a single carbon veil sheet within the TRS, it is no way meant to limit the present disclosure to a single carbon veil sheet since it is appreciated that multiple carbon veil sheets can be used in conjunction with the present disclosure. Even more so, it is appreciated that flocked carbon fibers can also be used for a flexible TRS of the present disclosure. It can be further appreciated that the various layers in the TRS can be determined depending on a design for the TRS.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a flexible thermal runaway shield of the present disclosure. In a side view of the TRS 110, a side wall 130 of the TRS 110. The side wall is the exterior wall of one of the layers of the flexible wrapper 120. Since the flexible wrapper 120 forms a sealed envelope around the heat spreaders 122 and the carbon veil 124, the heat spreaders 122 and the carbon veil 124 are not viewable from the exterior of the TRS 110. The exterior wall 130 of the TRS 110 can be bent to fit a particular application or shape; this can be appreciated based on the following configurations and descriptions.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of flexible thermal runaway shields of the present disclosure each surrounding a battery cell. A battery system 140 can comprise flexible thermal runaway shields 144 and ESD cells 142. The flexible thermal runaway shields 144 can be bent around the ESD cells 142 such that one of the exterior walls of each of the thermal runaway shields 144 is in contact with the ESD cells 142 (or otherwise thermally coupled to the ESD cells 142 to reduce and/or prevent thermal runaway from one of the cells 142 to adjacent cells).

It is appreciated that the flexible thermal runaway shields 144 do not necessarily have to be in direct contact with the cells 142 since folding of the thermal runaway shields 144 may not be ideal in that the thermal runaway shields 144 may not perfectly conform to the shape of the cells. Furthermore, it is appreciated that the shape of the cells can be non-cylindrically shaped. However, to aid in the understanding of the present disclosure, cylindrically shaped EDS cells are shown, but is in no way meant to limit the present disclosure for use with such cells. In fact, due to the flexibility of the flexible thermal runaway shield, the flexible TRS can be configured and bent to fit around any particularly shaped cell or for a particular application for that matter.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate side views of various configurations for wrapping a flexible thermal runaway shield of the present disclosure around battery cells. Referring to FIG. 12, in a side view, a flexible thermal runaway shield 150 can be configured to be bent around two ESD cells 151. The ESD cells 151 are cylindrical in shape in this example. The flexible TRS 150 can be in a form factor of a sheet, such that the length of the flexible TRS 150 can be less than, equal to, or greater than the length of the ESD cells 151 and the height of the flexible TRS 150 is at least equal to the sum of the circumferences for the ESD cells 151. Thus, the flexible TRS 150 can contact the entire surface area of the ESD cells 151.

As stated above, it is not necessary for the flexible TRS 150 to be in direct contact with the entire surface area of the ESD cells 151. To aid in the understanding of the present disclosure, the flexible TRS 150 is configured to be in contact with the ESD cells, but this is merely an example of the many configurations that can be used in conjunction with the present disclosure. For instance, a gap can separate a part of the cells 151 and the flexible TRS 150. Also, a cell holder can be disposed around the cells 151 and the flexible TRS is disposed around those holders. Even more so, some layer or liquid can be applied between the cells 151 and the flexible TRS 150 to increase the thermal conductivity between the two. It can be appreciated that multiple other configurations for the flexible TRS can be gleamed based on the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 13, in a side view, a flexible thermal runaway shield 152 can be configured to be bent around three ESD cells 153. The ESD cells 153 are cylindrical in shape in this example. The flexible TRS 152 can be in a form factor of a sheet, such that the length of the flexible TRS can be less than, equal to, or greater than the length of the ESD cells 153 and the height of the flexible TRS 152 is less than the sum of the circumferences for the ESD cells 153. Thus, the flexible TRS 152 is capable of contacting a large portion of the surface area of the ESD cells 153.

Typically, ESD cells are grouped together in a number of cells greater than three. Thus, a grouping of ESD cells can be grouped together in an array of N×M cells. Due to the close packing of the grouping of cells, the flexible TRS for a group of three ESD cells can be used to be in contact to or near a surface area of a nearby group of cells that also have a flexible TRS directly in contact to or over those surfaces of the nearby group. Thus, for the top one of the cells 153, an adjacent flexible TRS of a nearby group of cells can be in contact with the exposed surfaces of the cells 153. In this manner, the cells 153 may have at least two different flexible TRSs available to absorb and otherwise redirect any thermal runaway.

Similarly, to aid in the understanding of the present disclosure, the flexible TRS 152 is configured to be in contact with the ESD cells, but this is merely an example of the many configurations that can be used in conjunction with the present disclosure. For instance, a gap can separate a part of the cells 153 and the flexible TRS 152. Also, a cell holder (not shown) can be disposed around the cells 153 and the flexible TRS 152 can be disposed around those holders. Even more so, some layer or liquid can be applied between the cells 153 and the flexible TRS 152 to increase the thermal conductivity between the two. It can be appreciated that multiple other configurations for the flexible TRS can be gleamed based on the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 14, in a side view, flexible thermal runaway shields 154 and 156 can be configured in combination to be bent around three ESD cells 155. The ESD cells 155 are cylindrical in shape in this example. The flexible TRS s 154 and 156 can each be in a form factor of a sheet and can have different lengths and/or heights from each other.

For instance, the length of the flexible TRS can be less than, equal to, or greater than the length of the ESD cells 155 and the height of the flexible TRS 154 is at least equal to a circumference of one of the ESD cells 155. Thus, the flexible TRS 155 can contact the entire surface area of one of the ESD cells 155. The length of the flexible TRS 156 approximates the length of the ESD cells 155 and the height of the flexible TRS 156 (as seen in the side view) is less than the sum of the circumferences of the three ESD cells 155. The configuration of the flexible TRS 154 and 156 allow for a double wrapping over a certain portion of the middle ESD cell 155 and a single wrapping of the other two ESD cells 155.

Similarly, to aid in the understanding of the present disclosure, the flexible TRSs 154 and 156 are configured to be in contact with the ESD cells 155 or with each other. It can be appreciated that this is merely an example of the many configurations that can be used in conjunction with the present disclosure. For instance, a gap can separate a part of the cells 155 and one of the flexible TRSs 154 and 156. Also, a cell holder (not shown) can be disposed around the cells 155 and the flexible TRSs 154 and 156. Even more so, some layer or liquid can be applied between the cells 155 and the flexible TRSs 154 and 156 to increase the thermal conductivity. It can be appreciated that multiple other configurations for the flexible TRS can be gleamed based on the present disclosure.

Although in FIGS. 12-14 there are two to three cells shown, it is understood that various wrapping schemes can be used in conjunction with present disclosure due to the versatility of having flexible TRSs. The configurations shown in FIGS. 12-14 are mere examples of the many different configurations that can be used in conjunction with the present disclosure and are not meant to be limiting in any manner.

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of a hexagonal wrapping configuration for wrapping flexible thermal runaway shields around battery cells. In such configuration, flexible TRSs 160 are shaped around cells 142 in a hexagonal folded shape. The flexible TRSs 160 can be in contact with the surface area of the cells 142. Each of the flexible TRSs 160 can be folded to cover an upper portion or lower portion of a row of cells 142. Additional flexible TRSs can also be used along a roll such that multiple flexible TRSs span across an upper portion or lower portion of a row of cells 142.

It can be illustrative to view the flexible TRS 162 which spans across the upper portion of the upper most top row of cells 142. Thus, the flexible TRS 162 is cinched in three areas to fit within the spaces between any two cells. For instance, zoomed-in view 164 can illustrate such cinching.

FIG. 16 illustrates a zoomed-in view of a flexible thermal runaway shield of the present disclosure that has been folded to correspond to a hexagonal wrapping configuration. In the zoomed-in view 164, the flexible TRS 162 is folded such that a portion 167 overlaps with itself. The overlapping portion can be coupled to each other to hold its form. In an embodiment, a spot weld can be performed at a location 166 near the end of the overlapping portion to keep the overlapping portion bent. In another embodiment, glue can be disposed between the two overlapping pieces of the TRS 162 to keep the TRS 162 from unraveling.

FIG. 17 illustrates a flexible thermal runaway shield using a hexagonal wrapping configuration. A result of such configuration for the single flexible TRS 162 has four hollow openings to allow for securing an upper half portion of an ESD cell or holder.

FIG. 18 illustrates a flow chart for manufacturing a flexible thermal runaway shield. In manufacturing a flexible TRS, the various layers of the flexible TRS can be prepared and cut to size, step 170. For instance, the heat spreaders and the carbon veil are smaller than the flexible wrapper to allow for coupling of the two layers of the wrapper to form the inner cavity having the heat spreaders and the carbon veil. In terms of ordering of the layers, the layering can be a first layer of the flexible wrapper, next a first heat spreader is placed adjacent to the first layer, a carbon veil is disposed adjacent to the first heat spreader, a second heat spreader is disposed adjacent to the other side of the carbon veil, and a second layer of the flexible wrapper is adjacent to the other side of the second heat spreader.

Three sides of the flexible wrapper can be heat sealed to partially seal the TRS to form an envelope for holding the heat spreaders and the carbon veil, step 172. Next a liquid can be disposed in the inner cavity of the TRS for wicking by the carbon veil, step 174. Lastly, the TRS envelope can be sealed 176 on its remaining side so that inner cavity is impermeable to gas and liquid for holding of the liquid within the inner cavity.

In other embodiments, the manufacturing process can be adjusted based on the configuration of the TRS. For instance, in some embodiments the heat spreaders are not used, so that the only layer between the flexible wrapper is the carbon veil. Thus, the manufacturing process can be adjusted accordingly. Furthermore, liquid may not be required in the inner cavity of the flexible TRS. Therefore, after the preparation of the layers step 170, the entire envelop can be sealed. Even more so, the flexible wrapper can be a single sheet that has been folded in half to provide a first layer and a second layer for the TRS. A person having ordinary skill in the art that the manufacturing process can be adjusted to fit various configuration of the flexible TRS.

FIG. 19 illustrates a TRS system of the present disclosure having a TRS and insulator segments. In a side view of an embodiment of a TRS system, a TRS system comprises flexible TRS's 180 and insulators segments 182 for surrounding cylindrical battery cells (e.g., a battery cell 184, illustrated by broken lines). The flexible TRS's 180 and the insulator segments 182 define compartments for holding the battery cells. The flexible TRS's 180 can be disposed along the length of the battery cells (not shown since, in the side view, the length of the battery cells is not visible). It can be appreciated that the flexible TRS's can be one or more sheets of TRS disposed on a side of a row of battery cells.

In this embodiment, a single sheet of flexible TRS's 180 is bent to conform to one side of a row of battery cells. Each row of battery cells can be sandwiched between two sheets of flexible TRS's 180. The row of battery cells can be further partitioned using insulator segments 182. The insulator segments 182 can stem from one of the flexible TRS's 180 on one side of the row of battery cells 184 to the other one of the flexible TRS's 180 on the other side of the row of the battery cells 184. The flexible TRS's 180 and the insulator segments 182 can also run the length of the battery cells 184 (not shown) such that each battery cell can be thermally shielded from another battery cell to prevent thermal runaway.

Each of the insulator segments 182 can have a predefined height to allow for the insulator segment to contact the flexible TRS's on either side. The length of each of the insulator segments 182 can be specified to accommodate those particular features of the battery box that define the cell locations and that effect the electrical connections. The thickness of each of the insulator segments 182 is determined primarily by the physical separation between the cells; that is, the thickness of the insulator can be equal to, or slightly less than, a physical gap between cells. The insulator segments 182 can be made of a heat-resistant thermal insulator such as, but not limited to, paper-phenolic laminate, fabric-phenolic laminate, ceramic or glass fiber laminate, carbon fiber laminate, ceramic or glass fiber paper, other thermal insulating material, or a combination thereof. The form factor of the insulator segments 182 are rectangular in the present figure. However, it's appreciated that the form factor can be varied to fit a particular application or design. For instance, each face of the insulator segment facing a cylindrical battery cell can be concave to better conform with the outer circumference of the cylindrical battery cell.

Battery cells can be arranged in a symmetrical hexagonal arrangement for this embodiment of the TRS system. However, it's appreciated that other symmetrical and non-symmetrical battery cell arrangements can be used in conjunction with the present disclosure due to the flexibility of the TRS and the insulator segments. It is further appreciated that the flexible TRS system of the present disclosure can conform to various numbers of battery cells and various numbers of rows and columns. The battery cell configuration shown in FIG. 19 is for illustration purposes and is not meant to limit the present disclosure to such number of battery cells or battery rows/columns.

Also, it is appreciated that the flexible thermal runaway shields 180 do not necessarily have to be in direct contact with the cells 184 since folding of the thermal runaway shields 180 may not be ideal in that the thermal runaway shields 180 may not perfectly conform to the shape of the battery cells 184.

To aid in the understanding of the present disclosure, cylindrically shaped battery cells are shown, but is in no way meant to limit the present disclosure for use with such battery cells. In fact, due to the flexibility of the TRS, the TRS can be configured to fit around any particularly shaped ESD or for a particular application for that matter.

FIG. 20 illustrates another embodiment of a TRS system of the present disclosure having a TRS and insulator segments. In another embodiment, TRS's 190 are disposed on two sides of rows of battery cells. Insulator segments 192 are disposed between TRS's 190 such that the insulator segments 192 span a distance from one of the TRS's on one side of the row of battery cells to the other side of the row of battery cells. The battery cells, indicated by dotted lines in the FIG. 20 (e.g., battery cell 194), can be disposed in enclosures defined by the insulator segments 192 and the TRS's 190. In this manner, each of the battery cells can be thermally shielded from other battery cells to prevent thermal runaway propagation.

In the present side view of the cross-section of the TRS system, only the heights of the TRS's 190 and the insulator segments 192 are visible. However, it's appreciated that the lengths are but present as well, which are not visible in this viewing angle. The lengths of the TRS's 190 and of the insulator segments 192 can be equal to or greater than the length of the battery cells to shield any thermal runaway propagation.

FIG. 21 illustrates a TRS system of the present disclosure having channel separators and a flexible TRS. A TRS system comprises channel separators 200 a-200 d and a flexible TRS 206. The TRS system can be used for serially connected battery cells 204 a-204 d (e.g., lithium-ion battery cells arranged end-to-end in a serially-connected column or a row for increased battery pack voltage; serially-connected battery cells in a column or a row can be referred to as a battery channel). For instance, the battery cells 204 a-204 d can be housed in an enclosure 208 having a vent space 210 to allow for any gases generated during thermal runaway to be vented. It's appreciated that various enclosures with or without a vent space can be used in conjunction with the present disclosure for holding the battery cells 204 a-204 d. The enclosure 208 and its configuration is not meant to limit the present disclosure in any manner.

Each of the channel separators 200 a-200 d is coupled to the positive cap of each of the battery cells 204 a-204 d. The positive cap of a battery cell is designed to rupture during thermal runaway of the battery cell. In the event of thermal runaway (“TR”), heat transmission from the positive end of the runaway cell to an end of adjacent battery cells can result in thermal runaway propagation (“TRP”). The channel separators 200 a-200 d can divert dangerously hot gas from the positive cap of a TR battery cell in a manner that allows the hot gas to escape in a more benign fashion by allowing the hot gas to escape quickly through the vent space 210, while minimizing exposure time of neighboring battery cells. By directing the hot gas into the vent space 210, damage by the hot gas to the flexible TRS is reduced as well.

Each of the channel separators 200 a-200 d has a gap in their raised outer ring to direct the hot gases to the vent space 210. For instance, a gap 220 of the channel separator 200 b directs hot gases from the battery cell 204 b to the vent space 210. Although the gap is used in the singular form, it's appreciated that the gap for each of the channel separators 200 a-200 d can be implemented by one or more openings through the outer ring of the respective channel separator. As such, a gap as used herein may refer to one or more openings through the raised outer ring of a channel separator. Furthermore, the one or more openings can be of various widths to allow for a predefined amount of gas flow through the gap to the vent space 210. For instance, in one embodiment, the gap can be an opening through the raised outer ring of a respective channel separator having an area of 3 by 6 mm.

In this embodiment, the flexible TRS can have a height around 10 mm less than the battery cell circumference (or another predefined amount). When the flexible TRS is configured to fit around the battery cell circumference, there can be a gap of around 10 mm or another predefined amount, causing a strip of area of the battery cell to be exposed. The exposed strip (also referred to as an opening of the flexible TRS) is aligned with the gap in the channel separator to provide a path for the hot gas to exit the positive cap area. Damage to the TRS from the hot gas can be minimized by allowing the gas to pass through the exposed area without obstruction. Thereby, coolant in the flexible TRS 206 can be preserved as much as possible for thermal protection of the battery cells. The flexible TRS 206's length can be about equal to the length of the serially-connected battery cells 204 a-204 d.

It can be appreciated that the channel separators 200 a-200 d and the flexible TRS 206 with a gap do not necessarily have to be used together in a TRS system. The channel separators 200 a-200 d can be used independently in a TRS system from the flexible TRS 206; likewise, a flexible TRS 206 may be used independently in a TRS system from channel separators 200 a-200 d. FIG. 21 is not meant to limit the present disclosure to such embodiment. It's appreciated that various combinations of elements disclosed herein can be used in a TRS system as requirements and design dictate.

FIG. 22 illustrates another view of a TRS system of the present disclosure having a channel separator and a flexible TRS. In this cross-sectional, top-view, the channel separator 200 b, the flexible TRS 206, and the enclosure 208 are shown. The channel separator 200 b comprises a body 201 and a via 202, where the via 202 runs through the center of the body 201 to provide an electrical connection between two sides of the body 201.

The body 201 can have a raised outer ring 203 that can be in contact with the positive cap of the battery cell 204 b (not shown). The outer ring 203 can have a gap 220 for allowing any gas that is released from the positive cap of the battery cell 204 b to escape into the vent 210. The channel separator 200 b thermally shields the battery cell 204 b from thermal runaway of any adjacent battery cell (e.g., the battery cell 204 a).

The via 202 is electrically conductive such that it can electrically connect battery cells that are physically separated by the channel separator 200 b. The battery cells need to be in contact with the two sides of the via 202 in order to achieve electrical connection between the battery cells. For instance, the via 202 can electrically connect a negative end of the battery cell 204 a with a positive end of the battery cell 204 b, as illustrated in FIG. 21.

Referring to FIG. 22, the flexible TRS 206 can thermally shield the battery cells from each other and from any other adjacent battery cells in different battery cell channels. The flexible TRS 206 can be a single sheet of TRS that covers the serially-connected battery cells 200 a-200 d in a single battery cell channel. As mentioned previously, the flexible TRS 206 may have a height that is less than the circumference of the battery cells, thus leaving a slotted area exposed on the row or column of the serially-connected battery cells. The slotted area can be aligned with the gap 220 of the channel separator to allow for the gas from the positive cap to flow into the vent space 210 with the least possible heating of the flexible TRS 206.

In the event of TR of a battery cell, the battery cell's positive cap is typically designed to rupture to allow release of the internal pressure. A channel separator can divert the released hot gas to a vent space designed into the assembly, allowing the gas to exit. The slotted area created by the flexible TRS can run an entire length of the battery cell channel. By directing hot gas through the slotted area of the TRS system to the vent space, the channel separators 200 a-200 d minimize damage to the TRS, thereby preserving as much water as possible for the protection of neighboring cells.

Completely trapping the TRS between the battery cells and the aluminum structure may afford maximum protection to the TRS against direct flame impingement and hot gas intrusion. If desired, the battery cells can be further protected by applying a heat-resistant layer of material to the battery cell surface exposed in the slotted area. It can be appreciated that such heat resistant layer is an optional element of the present disclosure and can be made of any insulator materials.

FIG. 23 illustrates a channel separator of the present disclosure. In a side view of the channel separator 200 b, the via 202 can be seen through the gap 220 of the outer ring 203. The via 202 can pass though the center of the channel separator 200 b such that one side 212 is coupled to a positive cap of the battery cell 204 b to allow for gases to escape via the gap 220 during thermal runaway. Another side 214 can be coupled to a negative terminal of the adjacent battery 204 a to serially connect the two battery cells 204 a-204 b.

The channel separator 200 b can manufactured by machining or molding to have predefined dimensions to suit a particular battery cell size, battery shape, or battery enclosure. The channel separator can also be sized to meet space requirements and other design requirements. The body 201 of the channel separator 200 b can be fabricated from a material resistant to erosion by hot gas (e.g., paper-phenolic thermoset laminate, which has a relatively low thermal conductivity). Other materials that could be used for the body 201 include (but are not limited to) fabric-phenolic laminate, glass or ceramic fiber laminate, carbon fiber laminate, and monolithic materials such as ceramic or graphite. The via 202 can be inserted through a center of the body 201 of the channel separator 200 b such that an electrical connection can stem from one side of the channel separator 200 b to the other side of the channel separator 200 b. The center of the body 201 can be made hollow during machining or molding of the channel separator 200 to allow for the insertion of the via 202.

It can be appreciated that the outer ring 203 is a raised portion of the body 201 that has the gap 220. Broken lines in FIG. 23 illustrate the boundaries of the via 202, the body 201, and the outer ring 203 at a cross-sectional view of a center of the channel separator 200 b. The outer ring 203 can form a seal around the positive cap of the battery cell 204 b. If the battery cell 204 b undergoes thermal runaway and short circuiting, then hot gases from the positive cap is directed into an inner chamber 205 created by the raised outer ring 203 and the rest of the body 201. Since there is the gap 220, the inner chamber 205 is not entirely closed off, allowing the gases to escape through the gap 220. Generally, the gap 220 can be coupled to a vent space to allow for the hot gas to safely dissipate.

FIGS. 24-27 illustrate various embodiments of a channel separator coupled to a battery cell in a lengthwise-cross-sectional view. The outer ridge of a channel separator can be coupled with a positive cap of the battery cell such that gases from the positive cap can be directed through a gap of the channel separator. The outer ridge of the channel separator can create a seal with the outer ring of a battery cell such that gases are redirected to the gap of the channel separator.

In FIGS. 24-27, it's appreciated that the current view of the illustrated channel separators is a cross section of the middle of the respective channel separators. A gap for each of the channel separators is not shown in the cross-sectional view but is present in accordance with the present disclosure. Furthermore, it's understood that any outer ring, gasket, and raised ridge extend around the outer ring of the respective channel separator, except at where the gap is located on the outer ring of the respective channel separator.

Referring to FIG. 24, a raised outer ring 234 of a channel separator 230 can contact an outer ring of a battery cell 232. Typically, cylindrical battery cells have an outer ring on the positive cap side of the battery cell. However, it's appreciated that if the battery cell does not have an outer ring, then the channel separator of the present disclosure can contact with any outer portion of the positive cap of the battery cell or any outer portion of the battery cell to form a seal.

It can be appreciated that a gasket (not shown) can be applied by glue, heat sealing, or another method for adhering the gasket to the surface area of the outer ring 234. The gasket can contact the battery cell to provide a better seal since it can be pliable and conform with the battery cell surface.

In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 25, a raised outer ring 241 of a channel separator 240 can have a gasket 242 and a raised ridge 243. The gasket 242 can contact an outer ring of a battery cell 244 to form a seal. The gasket 242 can prevent unwanted gases from exiting an inner chamber created by the coupling of the channel separator 240 and the battery cell 244 to further force any gases to exit that inner chamber out a gap (not shown) of the channel separator 240. The raised ridge 243 can mate with the outer ring of the battery cell 244.

In yet another embodiment, referring to FIG. 26, a raised outer ring 251 of a channel separator 250 can have a further raised ridge 252 extending from the outer ring 251 to mate with the inside of an outer ring of a positive cap of a battery cell 254. Since the ridge 252 of the outer ring 251 is in contact with the outer ring of the battery cell 254, gases from the positive cap of the battery cell 254 are obstructed from exiting the inner chamber through the outer edges and are redirected to a gap (not shown) of the channel separator 250.

In a further embodiment, referring to FIG. 27, a raised outer ring 261 of a channel separator 260 can have a further ridge 262 extending from the outer ring 261 that can be in contact with an outer ring of the battery cell 264. Adjacent to the ridge 262 is a gasket 266 that can also be in contact with the outer ring of the battery cell 264 to block any gases from exiting the outer edges and to direct the gases to a gap (not shown) of the channel separator 260.

FIGS. 28-29 illustrate side and top views of a flexible TRS of the present disclosure coupled to a battery cell. As previously described, a flexible TRS can be in a form factor of a sheet, such that the length of the flexible TRS can be less than, equal to, or greater than the length of an ESD cell (e.g. a cylindrical battery cell) and the height of the flexible TRS can be at least equal to the circumference for the ESD cell. Thus, the flexible TRS can wrap around an outer surface area of the ESD cell. In other embodiments, the flexible TRS can also have a height that is less than the circumference of the ESD cell such that there is a distance between the two edges of the flexible TRS when wrapped around the circumference of the ESD cell. This space (or gap between the edges of the flexible TRS) allows for gases during thermal runaway to escape through the gap of the flexible TRS.

Referring to FIG. 28, a flexible TRS 272 nearly surrounds the circumference of a battery cell 270. The height of the flexible TRS 272 is less than the circumference of the battery cell 270 leaving an exposed portion 274 of the battery cell 270. The exposed portion 274 allows gas from a positive cap 278 to escape through the exposed portion 274.

If a channel separator is used in conjunction with the flexible TRS 272, then the channel separator can be aligned to the positive cap 278. The gap of the channel separator and the exposed portion 274 are aligned with a vent space of an enclosure holding the battery cell 270, the flexible TRS 272, and the channel separator. Gas from the positive cap 278 of the battery cell 270 can be directed to the vent space via the exposed portion 274 near the gap of the channel separator.

If a channel separator is not used in conjunction with the flexible TRS 272, then the exposed portion 274, near the positive cap 278, can be aligned to a vent space of an enclosure holding the battery cell 270 and the flexible TRS 272. Since the exposed portion 274 is exposed, any gases from the positive cap 278 can travel through the exposed portion 274 to the vent space, which can reduce damage to the flexible TRS 272.

Referring to FIG. 29, a top view of the positive cap 278 of the battery cell 270 and the flexible TRS 272 is shown. The flexible TRS 272 can be wrapped around the battery cell 270 to make direct contact with the outer surface of the battery cell 270. Since the flexible TRS 272's height is less than the circumference of the battery cell 270, there is an exposed portion 274 of the battery cell 270 that is not covered by the flexible TRS 272. To prevent any gases from directly contacting the exposed portion 274 of the battery cell 270, the exposed portion 274, not including the positive cap, can be covered in a thermal insulator (not shown) to reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the battery cell 270 should any gases reach such previously exposed portion 274.

FIGS. 30-31 illustrate side and top views of another embodiment of a flexible TRS of the present disclosure coupled to a battery cell. In another embodiment, rather than leave a strip of a battery cell 280 exposed or, alternatively, having to use an optional insulator strip to cover the exposed portion of the battery cell 280, a flexible TRS 282 can be configured to wrap around the circumference of the battery cell 280 with an area 284 left open and uncovered. The opening 284 can match the shape and size of the gap of any corresponding channel separator. The opening 284 can allow gas from the positive cap of the battery cell 280 to pass through the flexible TRS 282 to a vent space. The opening 284 can be cut after assembly of the flexible TRS 282 to the battery 280 or can be cut out of the flexible TRS 282 before installation.

In an embodiment, a method for protecting serially-connected battery cells from thermal runaway, comprises: disposing a channel separator at a positive cap for each of the serially-connected battery cells, where the body has a raised outer ring with a gap for venting gas during thermal runaway; disposing a flexible thermal runaway shield around the serially-connected battery cells, where an opening is left between edges of the flexible thermal runaway shield; and aligning the opening of the flexible thermal runaway shield and the gap of the channel separator to a vent space. The channel separator can electrically connect two sides of the channel separator. Furthermore, the method, after the disposing the TRS step, further comprising the step of applying a thermal insulator on exposed portions on the serially-connected battery cells.

In the disposing the channel separator step, a gasket is disposed on the raised outer ring and the gasket is placed in contact with said each of the serially-connected battery cells. Additionally, a ridge can be disposed on the raised outer ring and adjacent to the gasket. The ridge is placed to mate with an outer ring of said each of the serially-connected battery cells. In another embodiment, the ridge can be present without an adjacent gasket.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments or methods, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments or methods. Rather, it is the inventor's contention that the disclosure be understood and construed in its broadest meaning as reflected by the following claims. Thus, these claims are to be understood as incorporating not only the preferred methods described herein but all those other and further alterations and modifications as would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. 

We claim:
 1. A thermal runaway protection system for serially-connected battery cells, comprising: a flexible thermal runaway shield (“TRS”) configured to be disposed around the serially-connected battery cells; and a channel separator configured to be disposed at a positive cap of one of the serially-connected battery cells, wherein the channel separator comprises a body and a via configured to electrically connect two sides of the channel separator, wherein the body has a raised outer ring with a gap for venting gas during thermal runaway, wherein the raised outer ring is configured to be in contact with the positive cap, and wherein the flexible TRS has an opening aligned to the gap of the outer ring.
 2. The thermal runaway protection system of claim 1 further comprising one or more channel separators configured to be disposed between other ones of the serially-connected battery cells.
 3. The thermal runaway protection system of claim 1 wherein the raised outer ring has a ridge, and wherein the ridge is configured to mate with an outer ring of said one of the serially-connected battery cells.
 4. The thermal runaway protection system of claim 3 wherein the channel separator further comprises a gasket disposed on the raised outer ring of the body that is adjacent to the ridge, and wherein the gasket is configured to be in contact with an outer ring of said one of the serially-connected battery cells to provide a seal.
 5. The thermal runaway protection system of claim 1 wherein the channel separator further comprises a gasket disposed on the raised outer ring of the body, and wherein the gasket is configured to be in contact with an outer ring of said one of the serially-connected battery cells to provide a seal.
 6. The thermal runaway protection system of claim 1 wherein the body is made of phenolic thermoset laminate.
 7. The thermal runaway protection system of claim 1 wherein the serially-connected battery cells are cylindrically-shaped battery cells, wherein the flexible TRS is a single sheet having a height and a length, wherein the length is equal to a length of the serially-connected battery cells, wherein a width of the flexible TRS is less than a circumference of the cylindrically-shaped battery cells, wherein the flexible TRS is configured to be wrapped around the serially-connected battery cells leaving a slotted area of exposed portion of the serially-connected battery cells, and wherein the exposed portion and the gap of the channel separator are aligned together.
 8. The thermal runaway protection system of claim 7 wherein a thermal insulator is disposed on the exposed portions on the serially-connected battery cells for preventing hot gas from damaging the serially-connected battery cells.
 9. The thermal runaway protection system of claim 1 wherein the serially-connected battery cells are cylindrically-shaped battery cells, wherein the flexible TRS is a single sheet having a height and a length, wherein the length is equal to a length of the serially-connected battery cells, wherein a width of the flexible TRS is equal to a circumference of the cylindrically-shaped battery cells, wherein the flexible TRS is configured to be wrapped around the serially-connected battery cells, wherein the flexible TRS has an opening to expose the positive cap, and wherein the opening and the gap of the channel separator are aligned together.
 10. A channel separator for thermal runaway protection of serially-connected battery cells, comprising: a body having a raised outer ring with a gap for venting gas during thermal runaway; and a via configured to electrically connect two sides of the channel separator, wherein the via is disposed through a center of the body, wherein the raised outer ring is configured to be in contact with a positive cap of one of the serially-connected battery cells, and wherein the gap of the outer ring is configured to be aligned to a vent space.
 11. The channel separator of claim 10 wherein the raised outer ring has a ridge, and wherein the ridge is configured to mate with an outer ring of said one of the serially-connected battery cells.
 12. The channel separator of claim 11 further comprising a gasket, wherein the gasket is disposed on the raised outer ring, wherein the gasket is adjacent to the ridge, and wherein the gasket is configured to be in contact with an outer ring of said one of the serially-connected battery cells to provide a seal.
 13. The channel separator of claim 10 further comprising a gasket, wherein the gasket is disposed on the raised outer ring of the body, and wherein the gasket is configured to be in contact with an outer ring of said one of the serially-connected battery cells to provide a seal.
 14. The channel separator of claim 10 wherein the body is made of phenolic thermoset laminate.
 15. A method for protecting serially-connected battery cells from thermal runaway, comprising: disposing a channel separator at a positive cap for each of the serially-connected battery cells, wherein the body has a raised outer ring with a gap for venting gas during thermal runaway; disposing a flexible thermal runaway shield (“TRS”) around the serially-connected battery cells, wherein an opening is left between edges of the TRS; and aligning the opening of the TRS and the gap of the channel separator to a vent space.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the channel separator electrically connects two sides of the channel separator.
 17. The method of claim 15, after the disposing the TRS step, further comprising the step of applying a thermal insulator on exposed portions on the serially-connected battery cells.
 18. The method of claim 15, in the disposing the channel separator, wherein a gasket is disposed on the raised outer ring and wherein the gasket is placed in contact with said each of the serially-connected battery cells.
 19. The method of claim 18, in the disposing the channel separator, wherein a ridge is disposed on the raised outer ring and adjacent to the gasket and wherein the ridge is placed to mate with an outer ring of said each of the serially-connected battery cells.
 20. The method of claim 15, in the disposing the channel separator, wherein a ridge is disposed on the raised outer ring and wherein the ridge is placed to mate with an outer ring of said each of the serially-connected battery cells. 